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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 January 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Friday, 23 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Nuisance Calls: Voice over Internet Protocol

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to help prevent the misuse of VoIP services for scam and nuisance calls.

Answer

Tackling scam and nuisance calls are a priority for the Government, including via VoIP.

Unsolicited direct marketing calls are regulated by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 and enforced by the Information Commissioner. Organisations must not make live marketing calls to a number that is registered on the Telephone Preference Service list or make automated marketing calls unless the recipient has specifically consented to receive them.

Government works closely industry and recently published the second Telecommunications Fraud Sector Charter, including actions to strengthen trust in voice communications. The Home Office will also publish its new Fraud Strategy with measures to prevent scam calls early this year.

Government also works closely with Ofcom who have a duty to protect consumers and a duty to ensure that UK numbers are not misused. Ofcom has made several changes in recent years, including since January 2025 under new rules by Ofcom operators have had to block calls from abroad which present as a UK numbers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
105890
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Voice over internet protocol Nuisance calls
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk